From beginning to end, Tuesday afternoon belonged to the Fort Morgan Mustangs (2-0) in their soccer game at Pioneer Elementary Field.

Goals came early and often to give them a sizable lead over the Estes Park Bobcats, one that would extend to a 7-0 final to see the Mustangs remain unbeaten on the season and on their home field.

The first stretch of games have not shown the toughest competition, according to head coach Holley Norris, but she felt her team's play in the last two games has still been at a high level.

"I was a little nervous about Estes Park because we lost to them last year, and I told the team we needed to come out with confidence," Norris said. "We just had to put into play what we have been practicing, and they did. That's two games in a row they have done that."

Estes Park got one of the first shots on goal early in the first period from distance that was easily saved by Fort Morgan goalie Maddie Griffith. After that, the Mustangs dominated time of possession and fired shot after shot on net in the game.

The first couple of shots missed the mark or were saved by the Bobcats' goalie in the first few minutes of the game. Bianca Rico charged forward on a rebound off of a save and finally put the Mustangs on the board with a goal in close. Her goal started a steady string of shots on goal that began to find the back of the net.

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Jackie Escalera made a move with the ball in close to get around an Estes Park defender for a look at the net and delivered for the second goal of the game. Following her came a loft shot from Joey Shurtleff that sailed over the goalie's head into the net. Working for the fourth goal of the game was Lupita Lara, who missed a couple of chances early but executed in tight to extend the lead.

The final goal of the first half came from Raylene Rodriguez on a penalty kick after a hand ball was called on Estes Park in their box. Rodriguez went to the right side of the goal and beat the goaltender for the final goal of the half to put Fort Morgan in front 5-0.

"We've talked about playing as a team, and today they did that," Norris said. "They shared the wealth. I was very happy with the unselfish play."

While the Mustangs were firing 15 shots on goal in the first half, they prevented Estes Park from finding any offense in the half. As soon as the Bobcats fielded or misplayed the ball, Norris saw her team pounce right on it and take it back to set up the offense.

"That aggression they play with was big when I played," Norris said. "I know the competition in this league. I've told them that we need to play aggressively. We can't play off the ball, we have to be first to the ball. That's our team mantra right now."

In the second half, the goal scoring picked up right away with Alexis Zuniga challenging the goaltender in the box for a loose ball, getting to it first and powering her way towards the sixth goal of the game. Late in the half, Hannah Graff became the seventh player to score for the Mustangs with the final goal of the game.

The two big wins to open the season have lifted the spirits of the team so far, according to Norris.

"Game after game, the girls are getting more confident and resilient," Norris said. "They are a force to reckon with on the field. That has been exciting to see."

Next week, the Mustangs will look to continue their strong play early in the season against tougher competition. Up first for Fort Morgan will be a home game with the Silver Creek Raptors on March 22 at 4 p.m. Following that game will be a pair of road games with the Northridge Grizzlies on March 23 and the Denver West Cowboys on March 24.

"These are great games to refine and work on some things we've practiced," Norris said. "Having a lot of goals is good for them so they know we can put it in the back of the net. We're going to have some white-knuckled games soon, so these were important to get our confidence up."

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